1. Balaton

Lake Balaton has been a popular destination for Hungarians for a long time, and it is the largest lake in Central Europe. There are many different towns located along the lake, and each has its own charm.

Siofok, for example, is famous for its party scene during summer. And there are other towns who are famous for its thermal resorts such as Balatonfüred and Héviz.

Balaton is also a major wine-producing region in the country. Keszthely is one of the most beautiful towns along the lake.

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2. Tokaj

Fancy a glass of wine? Head to Tokaj in the Eastern part of the country. Tokaj is famous worldwide for its dessert wine Tokaji Aszu, which is the oldest dessert wine in the world.

I will also go ahead and say that it is the tastiest dessert wine as well!

But Tokaj is also picturesque thanks to the surrounding landscapes and small-town feeling.

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3. Sopron

Near the Austrian Border, you can visit Sopron, which is often referred to as a mini-version of Prague.

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4. Holloko

Hollókő is one of the best places to visit in Hungary for a cultural experience. It has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1987, and it’s a traditional Paloc village.

Around Easter every year, there is a ritual where men and boys throw buckets of water on girls and women. While throwing water they ask for their permission by reciting a poem.

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5. Heviz

There are lots of geothermal activity in Hungary but in terms of a spa vacation, I really recommend Heviz, which is a resort just a short drive from Lake Balaton.

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6. Visegrad

If you’re a history buff, I recommend a visit to Visegrad, where you can visit the old castle ruins. Visegrád is famous for the remains of the Early Renaissance summer palace of King Matthias Corvinus of Hungary and the medieval citadel.

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7. Kiskunsag National Park

If you want to experience some of the Hungarian wildlife, a trip to the Kiskunsag National Park is recommended, and it has been recognized as an important biosphere by UNESCO.

It’s one of the best places to visit in Hungary if you’re a birdwatcher.

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8. Pecs

Pecs was selected as the European capital of culture in 2010, and it’s a real gem when it comes to history and architecture. The city is the fifth largest in the country, and it’s situated in the South, not far from the Croatian border.

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9. Aggtelek National Park

Here you will find more than 280 caves that have many special formations and it has been designated the status as a World Heritage Site by Unesco since 1995.

The national park is home to animals such as the gray wolf, Eurasian lynx, hucul pony, red deer, and wild boar.

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10. Esztergom

From the 10th century until the middle of the 13th century, Esztergom was the Hungarian capital, before King Bela IV moved its royal seat to Buda. Nowadays, the city is famous for the Esztergom Basilica, which is the largest church in all of Hungary.

It is also one of the oldest Hungarian cities.

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11. Hortobagy

The Hortobagyi National Park is inscribed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, and it consists of vast plains and wetlands in the Eastern part of the country. Also known as the Hungarian Puszta, and home to the Cowboys.

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12. Miskolc

Miskolc is the fourth largest city in Hungary, but it often gets overlooked by international tourists. However, it’s a great base to explore the Eastern part of the country, and it is also here where you can enjoy the Miskolctapolca Thermal Cave Bath.

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13. Veszprém

Another historical city that shouldn’t be missed. Veszprém is filled with culture and well-preserved architecture.

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14. Eszterháza

Often mentioned as the Versailles of Hungary, and it’s truly a stunning palace. Eszterháza is located in Fertőd in the Northwest of the country.

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15. Debrecen

Budapest might be the Hungarian capital today, but Debrecen is the second largest city in the country, and it has been capital of Hungary, not once, but twice throughout history.

The cathedral is especially worth a visit, but there are many historical buildings around the city. And in contrast to Budapest, the vibe here is much slower, and there are far fewer tourists wandering around.

Nearby you also have one of the largest spa theme parks in the world.

16. Bukk National park

This is the largest national park in Hungary with a total area of 431,300 hectares of mountainous and forested terrain. There are many endemic birds living in Bukk National Park, and it’s a popular vacation spot for Hungarians who like to spend time outdoors.

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17. Tihany

This picturesque little town is situated next to Lake Balaton, and it is home to a stunning Benedictine Abbey with beautiful frescoes from the 18th century.

Tihany is also renowned for its wine, and it’s regarded as one of the most beautiful places to visit in Hungary!

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18. Szeged

Did you know that Szeged is known as the city of Sunshine? It receives the most sunshine hours in all of Hungary, but that’s not the only reason to come here.

Szeged is a university town filled with a number of stunning palaces and churches as well as a lively atmosphere.

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19. Egerszalok

You might have heard about Pamukkale in Turkey, but did you know that there’s a Hungarian version? In Egerszalok, you can visit this open-air spa with cascades of thermal water.

The water in Egerszalok is rich in calcium, magnesium and hydrocarbonate minerals.

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20. Eger

Eger is one of the most famous cities in Hungary, and it’s one of my favorite places. From a historical point, it is well-known because they defended the fortress against the invading Turks in the Siege of Eger in 1552.

The wine industry is also renowned, and it is here you can get a sip of the delicious Egri Bikaver.

21. Lillafüred

Lillafüred is a well-known destination among Hungarians, but one of the lesser known places to visit in Hungary for international tourists. Nonetheless, the castle and surrounding nature is absolutely stunning, especially during autumn when the leaves change in color.

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22. Györ

Györ has some beautiful baroque architecture, and there are several museums that are worth visiting as well. Countrywise, it is an important industrial and economic hub.

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23. Szentendre

Szentendre is a charming town about 30 minutes outside of Budapest. It is famous for its Skanzen Open air museum, and it’s one of the most popular day trips from the Hungarian capital.

Szentendre is also known for its preserved architecture and the fact that it has been home to many Hungarian artists.

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24. Székesfehérvár

Another historical city that shouldn’t be missed. Székesfehérvár played a vital role in the early days of the Hungarian kingdom, and the first king was crowned and buried here.

It also served as the first capital.

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25. Budapest

Last but not least, the Hungarian Capital – Budapest. It’s one of the most beautiful cities in the world, and definitely one of the best places to visit in Hungary.

The city has several thermal baths, historical buildings, impressive architecture, shopping and of course lots of restaurants serving delicious Hungarian food!

Top 10 Best Places to visit in Hungary

IF I have to choose 10 favorite places to visit in Hungary, it would be the following.

Budapest

Balaton

Tokaj

Eger

Hortobagyi

Esztergom

Heviz

Sopron

Holloko

Szentendre

More Places to visit in Hungary

Szolnok

Tata

Papa

Orseg National Park

Kaposvar

Badacsony

Kecskemét

Book Your Trip

So, now that you know about all these beautiful places to visit in Hungary, it’s time to book your trip!